Step-by-step explanation:
Democracy is a system of government in which power and decision-making authority are vested in the people. It is a form of government where citizens have the right to participate in the political process, either directly or through elected representatives, and have a say in shaping the policies and laws that govern them. In a democratic society, individuals are considered equal under the law, with certain fundamental rights and freedoms protected.
The phrases "of the people, by the people, for the people" are famous lines from Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, and they have since become synonymous with the concept of democracy. While these exact phrases do not appear in the United States Constitution, they reflect the principles upon which the Constitution is founded.
"Of the people" implies that the government derives its authority from the people it governs. The power and legitimacy of the government come from the consent and will of the people. The government is formed to represent and serve the interests of the citizens rather than any specific group or entity.
"By the people" signifies that the people have the right to participate in the decision-making process. Through mechanisms such as elections, referendums, and public debate, citizens have the opportunity to choose their representatives, express their opinions, and influence policy decisions. This emphasizes the importance of popular sovereignty, where the ultimate power lies with the people.
"For the people" emphasizes the notion that the purpose of the government is to act in the best interests of the citizens it serves. The government is expected to work for the welfare and well-being of the people, striving to promote the common good, protect individual rights, and ensure justice and equality.
Together, these phrases capture the essence of democratic governance: a system where power originates from the people, is exercised by the people or their elected representatives, and is directed towards the betterment and welfare of the people as a whole.